Greenwood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Greenwood, Arkansas?
Arrest records are public in Greenwood, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Arkansas FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for Greenwood and surrounding areas within the county. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel during the arrest process and subsequent booking procedures. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling community oversight of detention practices
- Facilitating informed public discourse on criminal justice matters
- Supporting journalistic investigation of law enforcement activities
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, which protects specific categories of sensitive information from disclosure. Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Greenwood Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Greenwood have several official channels through which such information may be obtained. The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the Greenwood area. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to access these public records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Sebastian County Sheriff's Department located at:
Sebastian County Sheriff's Department
800 South A Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 783-1051
Sebastian County Sheriff's Office
The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
Online Access: The Sebastian County government maintains an online inmate inquiry system that provides limited arrest record information. This resource is accessible through the county's official website and allows searches by name, booking date, or case number.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division at the Sheriff's Department address listed above. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(a)(2)(A), the custodian must respond to such requests within three business days.
Greenwood District Court: For cases processed through the local court system, records may also be available at:
Greenwood District Court
11 Town Square
Greenwood, AR 72936
Phone: (479) 996-6324
Contents of a Greenwood Arrest Record
Official arrest records maintained by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office for arrests occurring in Greenwood contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law. These records typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at booking
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Custody status information
- Bond amount, if applicable
- Court appearance dates
In accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, fingerprint records collected during the booking process are forwarded to the Arkansas Crime Information Center for inclusion in state and federal databases. The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols.
Arrest records are distinct from criminal history records, which compile an individual's entire history of interactions with the criminal justice system. While arrest records document a specific incident, they do not necessarily indicate criminal guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Greenwood
Under Arkansas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Greenwood and throughout Sebastian County. The Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., establishes the legal framework for this process.
Eligibility for expungement in Greenwood is determined by several statutory factors:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- The disposition of the case (dismissal, acquittal, or conviction)
- The completion of any imposed sentence or probationary period
- The elapsed time since the arrest or conviction
- The absence of subsequent criminal charges
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1406, individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the court of original jurisdiction. For arrests occurring in Greenwood, this petition would typically be filed with:
Sebastian County Circuit Court
901 South B Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 783-1560
Circuit Court Records Inquiry
The petition must include specific information as required by statute, including the date of arrest, charges filed, case disposition, and grounds for seeking expungement. The prosecuting attorney's office receives notification of the petition and may contest the expungement request.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, to seal the specified records. Sealed records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes as specified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416.
Individuals with expunged records may legally deny the existence of the sealed arrest when applying for employment, housing, or other opportunities, with certain exceptions for specific professions and licensing requirements as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417.
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